Two of the alleged attackers were also transported to outside medical facilities and are currently in fair condition.Photo byCDCR

Kern Valley State Prison Investigates Inmate Death After Violent Attack

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) officials are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Juan Trujillo, a 50-year-old incarcerated individual. Trujillo was brutally attacked by a group of fellow inmates on Monday, February 5, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m. The incident took place in a recreational yard within the prison grounds.

Attackers identified and Details of the Assault

The alleged attackers have been identified as Zackary Holguin, Edwin Perez, Kevin Tello, Daniel Mendivil, Javier Castaneda, Robert Toki, Kevin Barrera, and Eric Castilleja. Reports suggest that they assaulted Trujillo using weapons manufactured by inmates. Despite orders from prison staff to stop, the assailants continued their attack, leading to the use of chemical agents by authorities to intervene and bring the situation under control.

Medical Response and Trujillo’s Condition

Medical staff was immediately summoned to the scene, and Trujillo was found to have sustained multiple puncture wounds. Life-saving measures were initiated, and he was swiftly transported to an external medical facility. Tragically, Trujillo was pronounced deceased by a physician at approximately 11:41 a.m. No staff members or other incarcerated individuals were injured during the incident. Two of the alleged attackers were also transported to outside medical facilities and are currently in fair condition.

Background of Juan Trujillo

Juan Trujillo, who arrived at KVSP from Los Angeles County on February 14, 2008, was serving a 29-year sentence for second-degree robbery as a second striker with firearm enhancements. Trujillo’s death is currently under investigation by the Office of the Inspector General, and the official cause of death will be determined by the Kern County Coroner.

Criminal Histories of the Accused Attackers

The incarcerated individuals identified as the alleged attackers have varied criminal histories:

• Kevin Barrera, 29, is serving 36 years for voluntary manslaughter, attempted second-degree murder, assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, resisting/deterring an officer with threats or violence, and battery on a non-inmate.
• Javier Castaneda, 37, is serving 24 years for attempted voluntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm, second-degree robbery, and second-degree burglary, with enhancements for prior felony convictions, use of a firearm, and inflicting great bodily injury.
• Eric Castilleja, 34, is serving life with the possibility of parole for attempted second-degree murder, discharge of a firearm in an inhabited dwelling, vehicle, or aircraft, second-degree robbery, and criminal gang activity, all as a third-striker, with enhancements for intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death, street gang activity, and prior felony convictions.
• Zackary Holguin, 25, is serving 12 years and four months for assault with a deadly weapon with enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury, assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, and possession/ownership of a firearm by a felon or addict.
• Daniel Mendivil, 45, is serving 11 years for assault with a deadly weapon as a second striker, with an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury.
• Edwin Perez, 36, is serving life with the possibility of parole for carjacking and second-degree murder, with additional sentences for assault by a prisoner and possession or manufacture of a deadly weapon by a prisoner.
• Kevin Tello, 34, is serving 27 years for second-degree robbery with enhancements for street gang activity and committing a new felony within five years of completing a prior prison term, with an additional sentence for assault by a prisoner with force likely to cause great bodily injury.
• Robert Toki, 32, is serving 12 years for criminal threat to cause great bodily injury or death as a second striker, battery on a non-prisoner, and possession/manufacture of a deadly weapon by a prisoner, with additional sentences for assault by a prisoner and aggravated battery on a peace officer by gassing.

The Kern Valley State Prison is determined to uncover the circumstances surrounding Juan Trujillo’s death and take appropriate action. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.